Link Line Lengths on stacked Flexifoils

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[Magpiesfooty]

Hello,  Mighty Brain Trust!!

Can you please tell me the correct recommended length of stack link lines on the following Flexifoil combinations.

Hot Shot to Hot Shot (4') to (4')   
Hot Shot to Stacker (4') to (6')   
Stacker to Stacker (6') to (6')   
Stacker to Flexifoil 8  (6') to (8')   
Flexifoil 8 to Flexifoil 8 (8') to (8')   
Flexifoil 8 to Flexifoil 10 (8') to (10')       and finally,
Flexifoil 10 to Flexifoil 10 (10') to (10')   

As always, your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks and happy winds to you all.

Magpiesfooty

[indigo_wolf]

From Ray Merry's site:

Stacking
Flexifoil Power Kites are very easy to stack together. The following 4 methods give a range of linking systems from the simplest to a more sophisticated inserted loop method.
As a rough guide it is useful to estimate potential pull by using the Stacker as a standard unit. The average pull of a Stacker is approximately 50lbs. A ProTeam is roughly equal to 2 Stackers and a Super 10, 3 Stackers. Therefore it is relatively easy to get a rough idea of how much pull is likely from a given stack. Of course, pull can go up drastically with wind conditions and kite speed.


Separation for same size Flexifoils
Hot Shot 4 -  30 inches
Stacker 6 -  54 inches
ProTeam 8 -  62 inches
Super 10 -  72 inches
 
Flying Line strength - wind 10-12 mph
Hot Shot 4 (up to 6 units) - 150lbs
Stacker 6 (up to 6 units) -  200-250lbs
ProTeam 8 (up to 3 units) - 200-250lbs
Super 10 (up to 3 units) - 250-300lbs

When stacking different size Flexifoils, more distance should be allowed between each kite. 72 inches is a good starting point, especially when stacking 6ft and 10ft Flexifoils together. Smaller kites are usually put in front of, or below, the larger sizes. The Hot Shot 4 is not suitable for stacking with other sizes due to its small Wingspan.
ATB,
Sam

[Smeagol]

You forgot Super 10 to Hyper 12 and Hyper 12 to Hyper 16. 

I normally use the above chart Sam posted, works pretty well.  I used 30" on my Hotshot stacks but they would tend to do strange things - I blame the crappy wind conditions we had at the time.  Still need to add more to see what will happen.

When stacking the larger sizes I don't think a few inches difference from that chart will make much difference, as long as both sides are equal.

-Mike

[Magpiesfooty]

Thanks Sam and Mike.  This should be a great start.

You guys are the best!!     

Magpiesfooty   

[Zeke]

6' to 6' = 4' length
6' to 8'= 4'8"
8' to 8'= 5'4"
8' to 10'= 6'
10' to 10'=6'8"
10' to 12'= 7'4"
12' to 12'=8'
12' to 16' should be about 12'

I've been using these dimensions for a while now and have managed stacking 6-6', 2-8', 4-10', 2-12' and a 12-16' stack.  My son and I managed the 12'-16' on #500 Spectra.  It was written somewhere that the Hotshot should not be stacked with 6', 8' etc. due to a difference in the chord; same goes for mixing the 12' and 16' with other sizes. Mixing the different chords is supposed to create undue stresses on the kites and lines. Only a suggestion passed on; someone will be sure to try it and have it work until the wind picks up.  I did manage to stack an 8', 10', 12' once, lost my balance and got dragged for a distance ending up with a badly sprained wrist and bruised ribs....my fault , not due to the kites or winds.  the two 12's were flown on 150', #500 and were a bear to handle. Surprisingly the 12'-16' stack was surprising easy to handle.  I found the 12' to fly better with a bar I made:  1"- 1.25" aluminum tubing with oak broom handles inside, screw eye bolts on the ends with pigtails. bar is about 7' long and can help make the 12' turn more quickly but in the long run is a lot more work. Tie a long safety line offside as the bar is heavy enough to keep the Flexi stable if dropped.  Do not worry about longer arms, there is no shame in being able to tie your shoes without bending over.....the above is some of my experiences and based on the winds I flew in. .  I only managed the 6's because of 'forgiving winds'.. adjust your flying accordingly, be careful..

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